AUCKLAND: Wicketkeeper batter Tom Latham will lead New Zealand instead of Kane Williamson as the Black Caps named their T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan.
According to the details, Latham, who last played a T20I in September will return to the national colours and will take up the leadership role in the absence of New Zealand’s regular captain Williamson.
Latham will captain the 15-member squad which features potential T20 debutants Chad Bowes and Henry Shipley, along with several players returning to international T20 cricket on the back of the strong international and domestic form.
Tom Latham will return to international T20 action for the first time since 2021 to lead the BLACKCAPS T20 sides against Sri Lanka (home) and Pakistan (away). More | https://t.co/jzxlGum5JK #NZvSL #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/DNd31LkdKe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 26, 2023
According to the NZC, the Pakistan-bound squad will leave for the country on April 9 to play a five-match T20I series, scheduled from April 14 to 24.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead stated Latham’s comeback to T20 cricket imaged his capability to adapt his game and his leadership.
“We saw against India earlier this season the power and range of shots that Tom possess. His adaptability also means he can feature in a range of batting positions.
“He led an inexperienced T20 squad to Bangladesh in 2021 and we were really impressed with his leadership of that group during a COVID bubble tour.”
New Zealand’s Squad for Pakistan T20Is:
Tom Latham (c, wk), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
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